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Sydney’s GPO Building Officially Becomes The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Posted on by Madelin Tomelty
The Place | Fullerton Hotel Sydney
The Place | Fullerton Hotel Sydney

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney takes over the historic GPO building at No.1 Martin Place after 20 years operating as the Westin Sydney

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney has officially opened its doors today in the iconic former General Post Office (GPO) building at No. 1 Martin Place in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. The debut comes almost twelve months to the day since The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts announced it would be taking over management of the 416-room hotel and rebranding the property to The Fullerton Hotel Sydney after 20 years under Marriott management. Australia Post sold the GPO building in March 2017 for $150 million.

The opening of the Fullerton Hotel Sydney marks the first international expansion of The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts, the brand central to the waterfront precinct of The Fullerton Heritage by Marina Bay in Singapore, which includes two award-winning hotels: The Fullerton Hotel Singapore and The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore.

In acquiring the Sydney landmark, The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts adds another historic property to its portfolio, with The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, like its now sister Sydney property, also previously home to the country’s General Post Office and other government departments after its opening in the 1920s. The building was gazetted as Singapore’s 71st National Monument in December 2015 – the highest form of national recognition in Singapore and the equivalent of a listing on the National Heritage List in Australia.

“We encourage our guests to embark on memorable journeys that are deeper, more colourful and more rewarding when they stay in our one-of-a-kind, landmark luxury hotels with prime addresses that are destinations unto themselves,” said Cavaliere Giovanni Viterale, General Manager of The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts on the Sydney property’s debut.

 

Heritage

Extensive remediation and maintenance work has been completed on the building’s Martin Place and George Street façade throughout 2019 in time for the hotel’s opening today. Stonemason and Artist, an expert team with a combined stonemasonry experience of 334 years, undertook a 38,000-hour laborious, chemical-free cleaning process to restore the building’s façade to its former glory. Other phases of restoration will follow throughout 2020.

“We are committed to conserving the Sydney GPO building for the enjoyment of generations to come; and the heritage façade remediation programme is just the first step in a multi-phase revitalisation programme to be continued following the opening,” Viterale added.

Known as the city’s rendezvous location, where Sydneysiders dressed to the nines to meet beneath the GPO clock completed in the mid-20th century, the heritage Sydney building commands a prominent social and physical position in the city. In present times, the landmark building remains in the heart of the city’s action, surrounded by financial institutions, luxury retail and lifestyle boutiques as well as galleries.

“We wish to recreate this rendezvous location in 2019 and beyond by encouraging hotel guests and visitors to step into the historic building, and to create and share their own stories of this much-loved landmark and national treasure, just as they do at its sister property, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore,’ said Viterale.

 

Rooms & Suites

Inside the hotel, guest rooms will feature signature Fullerton touches including Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, Nespresso machines with pods, Singaporean TWG teas, and an extensive and indulgent pillow menu to assist with a good night’s sleep. At the touch of a button on a tablet that houses an interactive Tapendium Digital Concierge Solution, guests can browse and request the hotel’s services directly, including ordering a customised Fullerton burger from the in-room dining menu. Custom-made Atkinson amenities have been introduced in standard room categories, with exclusive Balmain amenities making a debut in club rooms and suites.

To commemorate the opening of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney each guest room will include limited edition souvenirs; a complimentary postcard and Fullerton stamps – inviting hotel guests to pen a note to their loved ones and post it from the former GPO itself.

  

Cuisine

In a nod to the hotel’s namesake heritage, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney will feature authentic Southeast Asian cuisines – including iconic Singaporean dishes such as chicken rice – alongside Modern Australian dishes in the new restaurant The Place.

Located on level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, The Place is bathed in natural light through the magnificent glass atrium. Guests can wine and dine and enjoy the elevated views within the six-storey atrium that overlooks the former GPO courtyard. The sophisticated atmosphere is complemented by an open kitchen and lofty perch.

Another Fullerton tradition that will take up permanent residency at The Bar is the Signature Afternoon Tea. The menu delivers on delectable savoury options including Lobster Cornet a l’Oriental, duck rillettes in sesame bun and smoked salmon mille-feuille with caviar; dessert choices include chocolate moelleux, pecan maple tart and pandan lamington. A selection of scones and an extensive TWG tea menu will also be featured.

Diners can also choose a famous Singapore Sling or the hotel’s signature cocktail, Sydney Sling, from the bar menu, with each drink featuring unique flavours from the respective cities.

 

Opening special offer

To celebrate the opening, guests booking a stay at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, a Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection partner, will enjoy special launch benefits including an AUD$50 dining credit and triple points from the I Prefer Hotel Rewards program. The offer is valid from 18 October 2019 to 17 March 2020 and reservations can be made via www.fullertonhotels.com. Rooms are available from AUD$380 per night, inclusive of taxes.

Meliá Bali Solidifies Standing as Top Family-Friendly Island Resort

Posted on by Contributing Writer
Meliá Bali
Meliá Bali

The tropical resort offers a variety of activities to keep children entertained and safe while parents relax, from Balinese dance lessons to movie nights and temple visits

Beachside hotel Meliá Bali has elevated its reputation as a top, family-friendly luxury Bali resort with the announcement that it has been accredited by Worldwide Kids, specifically on its Regular Risk Assessments and Safety Policies & Procedures for childcare. The hotel is the only hotel in Bali to be accredited by the London-based global consultancy service provider. The accreditation involved the Worldwide Kids’ team conducting staff training, undertaking an audit of the kids club facility and a doing a full assessment on the existing childcare facilities in the world-class resort.

As a go-to travel destination for family holidays, Meliá Bali has made creating children-safe surroundings a high priority, which also includes providing guests with qualified attendants that thereby allow parents to relax and enjoy every minute during their stay.

The youngest of guests can choose from the fun activities available in Kids Club, which is open from early morning until late night, every day. The hotel features a children’s pool, playground activities and wide variety of games to workshops. For children specifically from four to seven years old, there is fish feeding, Balinese dance lessons, temple visits, Balinese dress-up, cooking, kite-making and flying, as well as outdoor activities like disco and movie nights. Older kids are treated to arts and crafts, pool games, beach hunting, cooking or cultural activities like basic Indonesian and Balinese lessons.

 

www.meliabali.com

PONANT’s Arctic Expeditions Now On Sale

Posted on by Madelin Tomelty

By Staff Writer

Guests are now able to book their cruises for PONANT’s Arctic 2021 tour on polar exploration vessel Le Commandant-Charcot. The hybrid electric ship will be the first to bring guests to the geographic North Pole at 90 degrees latitude north.

Continuing to the eastern coast of Greenland, the Northwest Passage, the Ross Sea, the Charcot and Peter I islands, the revolutionary vessel will treat guests to brand new itineraries in regions usually inaccessible to classically-designed ships. Innovative routing software makes it possible for Le Commandant-Charcot to slip through the naturally-created channels in the ice, while the ship’s powerful engines allow it to free itself, if necessary, from denser sea ice.

It has additionally been designed to minimise its environmental impact and will also host a scientific research laboratory to study the ecosystems and the biodiversity of these polar settings. This PONANT addition is the first exploration vessel to surpass the ecological standards set out by international regulations.

Itineraries include the “In the Wake of Captain Jean-Baptiste Charcot” Expedition, which commences in Le Havre, France for a 14-night voyage through the Alftanes Peninsular in Iceland, the ice floes of Greenland and more; the “Geographic North Pole” Expedition which goes from Reykjavik, Iceland to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen and follows the direction of the North Pole; and the “Discovering the Northeast Greenland National Park” Expedition, a trek in partnership with National Geographic Expeditions, that traces the nordic landscape for 13 days starting in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Additional itineraries, pricing and sales for PONANT’s Arctic 2021 tour are open now.

 

ponant.com/arctic

Viking Cruises Releases 10 New Voyages

Posted on by Madelin Tomelty

By Staff Writer

Viking Cruises has launched its 2020-2021 Ocean Cruises brochure, featuring more than 10 brand new itineraries, over 10 new extensions and a new destination when Viking returns to Turkey.

The lineup’s selection of itineraries trace the history and culture of ancient Greek and Roman civilizations along the Adriatic, Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. The vessel will visit the ports in Greece, Croatia, Italy, and after a five year absence, three incredible Turkish destinations: Troy (Canakkale), Ephesus (Kusadasi) and Istanbul.

New extensions in Europe will additionally be offered, with locations in Turkey and South America. Guests can extend their stay in Istanbul with a visit to the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar; opt for an additional three nights pre or post cruise in Cappadocia to witness the ancient cave community; or explore the stunning wildlife and scenery of the Galapagos even further by adding five nights.

“Our new Viking Ocean Cruises brochure will inspire Australian cruisers to plan their next culturally enriching travel experience, to take them beyond highlights and sights and allow them to fully immerse themselves in a destination by learning about its history and culture,” said Michelle Black, Viking’s managing director, AUNZ.

New ocean itinerary highlights include:

vikingcruises.com.au

Oceania Cruises Unveils Redesigned Riviera

Posted on by Madelin Tomelty

By Karissa Perry

Leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, Oceania Cruises, has revealed the new enhancements to their Riviera ship during its dry-dock in Marseille, France. Coupled with changes to sister-ship Marina in May 2020, these enhancements are part of the brand’s OceaniaNEXT program.

“With the evolution of OceaniaNEXT, this was a great opportunity to not just enhance the guest experience aboard Riviera, but to elevate it through the addition of surprising new elements,” said Bob Binder, President and CEO of Oceania Cruises.

The Riviera boasts a reimagined coffee bar area with a brand-new silver Victoria Arduino espresso machine, as well as a new lounge with sweeping sea views on Deck 14. Backed by silvery greys and sea greens and accented with gold, high-gloss ebony and white marble, the new Baristas lounge is the perfect place to relax or enjoy lively conversation over a bespoke illy coffee creation.

The updated vessel’s 200 Concierge and 244 Veranda staterooms, along with the 124 Penthouse Suites, showcase a stylish new air inspired by their Insignia and Sirena ships. Walnut panelling and upholstered headboards are now offset with tones of espresso, caramel and ivory in the new carpeting and fabrics.

Designed by the Los Angeles-based Trevor R. Howells Interior Design, the Owner’s Suites are furnished exclusively with the Ralph Lauren Home Collection and reflect Ralph Lauren’s appreciation for sailing, Hollywood glamour and timeless, classical beauty.

The stylish onboard suites allow guests to pass through a breathtaking foyer and marvel at the cabochon-inset floor, walls of Georgian-wood panelling and a mahogany-and-quartzite bar. This grand room features dramatic sea views from floor-to-ceiling windows, along with a self-playing ebony piano that provides the perfect interlude for in-suite entertaining.

An elegant living room is anchored by a deep-navy sectional with saddle-suede accents and a mahogany Lounge Moderne chair. However, the real attention-seeker is the dining room, with it Mayfair dining table and new Barrett Knurled chandelier overhead.

Guests will additionally be treated to a lavish master suite, which is arguably an entire retreat unto itself.

A new Cote D’Azure king-size bed, along with elegant Mayfair Bergere side chairs and nickel-trimmed lighting accents fill the remastered space.

Finally, the bonus wraparound-teak verandas let guests enjoy the open air and fresh sea breezes. The additions feature stylish pieces that were custom crafted by Ralph Lauren Home for Oceania Cruises.

 

www.oceaniacruises.com

LT Exclusive: A First-Hand Taste of Hayman Island by InterContinental

Posted on by Madelin Tomelty
InterContinental Hayman Island
InterContinental Hayman Island

In a teaser of what’s to come when the InterContinental Hayman Island opens in under a month, Luxury Travel has had an exclusive first look at the refurbished Whitsundays luxury resort

Luxury Travel was among an exclusive group of just nine Australian media who were the first in the world to witness the brand new Hayman Island by InterContinental yesterday.

In a whirlwind return day trip from Sydney to the idyllic Aussie isle, the ultra-luxury media preview was the ultimate tease of what guests can expect when the Hayman Island property opens its doors for the first time in two years on 1st July.

InterContinental Hayman Island Resort has released just nine images of the new luxury resort – one to each of the media in attendance – following the resort preview, as the anticipation and suspense for this iconic Australian resort reaches fever pitch.

Starting the day with a private jet journey from Sydney to Hamilton Island, Luxury Travel experienced the hotel brand’s brand new luxury boat, which will transport guests in an hour-long voyage to Hayman Island ($210 per person, one way), before being whisked around the resort on Hayman Island ‘limousines’ (8-seater golf buggies) and up the hill to the lavish Hayman Residences.

The Hayman Island Residences are a collection of luxury private residences that are available to rent for those who want to experience a more private piece of paradise on Hayman Island. Perched on the hilltops of the island overlooking its iconic bay, the residences have full access to all the resort’s facilities. Two Hayman Island Residences have already sold for approximately $20 million AUD each.

With a lunch setting out on the vista-filled Residence balcony, media in attendance along with Resort Manager Mark Eletr and key InterContinental representatives were then treated to a culinary journey that took them through the resort’s five food and beverage facilities.

At the helm of the exclusive gastronomic preview was Joshua Dows, Director of Restaurants and Bars, and Director of Kitchens, Erwin Joven, who cooked up a five-course feast – each showcasing the flavour profile of a different Hayman Island restaurant – along with matching cocktails and wines.

Joven explained that as part of the resort’s “mindful indulgence” ethos, the produce served at all of the resorts is sourced as locally as possible, including freshly-caught seafood and Australian-sourced wines.

InterContinental Hayman Island Resort’s distinct dining scene includes Italian restaurant Amici Trattoria, PanAsian joint Bam Bam, the resort’s signature, brasserie-style bar-restaurant Pacific and the poolside, seafood-focused AQUA.

The immersive foodie journey included:

  • Chilled Carrot, Ginger and Avocaod Soup, paired with an arrival Bellini
  • Amici’s Antipasti Share Platter, paired with a Negroni or Boulevardier
  • Bam Bam’s Roast Duck Rice Paper Rolls, paired with a spicy Pac Man cocktail
  • Aqua’s Chilled Seafood Platter including Moreton Bay bugs, paired with a Bimbadgen Signature Vineyard Semillon
  • Pacific’s Grilled Tomahawk Steak, paired with Tolpuddle Vineyard Pinot Noir or S.C. Pannell Tempranillo- Touriga
  • Seasonal fruits, artisan cheeses and gourmet chocolates, paired with an Espresso Martini

Following a final tipple at Coconut Grove, the group bid farewell to Hayman Island by InterContinental from the air, as two helicopters transferred media back to Hamilton Island for the private jet journey back to Sydney.

InterContinental by Hayman Island’s concierge can arrange ultra-luxury transportation like private jet and helicopter transfers for guests on request. Reservations for Hayman Island by InterContinental are now open. More to come over the next month.

 

ihg.com

Crystal Cruises Celebrates 30 Years

Posted on by Madelin Tomelty

By Staff Writer

Crystal Cruises has announced a series of commemorative gifts, on-board special events and value offers to take place in 2020 in celebration of its 30th anniversary. The distinguished cruise line first launched on 24th July 1990 when debut vessel Crystal Harmony sailed from San Francisco on a 12-day inaugural voyage to Alaska.

“We are immensely proud of Crystal’s legacy of offering luxury travellers the very best experiences in the world for 30 years, and are grateful to the world travellers who have journeyed with us and the travel advisors who have been integral to our success along the way,” said Crystal’s president and CEO, Tom Wolber. “While many of our guests have been on this journey with Crystal since the beginning, the Crystal Family continues to grow with each new voyage. It’s our pleasure to celebrate this milestone with travellers in a meaningful way – with great value and the opportunity to experience all the diverse travel experiences Crystal now offers.”

The special 30th anniversary savings include a designated 30 sailings spanning four brand experiences – Crystal Cruises, Crystal River Cruises, Crystal Yacht Cruises and Crystal Expedition Cruises. Crystal Society members will receive double their regular savings, now totalling five percent, while new-to-Crystal guests will enjoy two percent savings on the select voyages. These savings are in addition to Crystal’s Book Now Savings, which rewards travellers who book early. To take advantage of these special offers, bookings for the “30th Anniversary Collection” must be made by 30th June, 2019.

The anniversary collection features sailings around the globe, ranging from seven to 16 nights throughout 2020, including:

Crystal Cruises, 20 voyages: Mexican Riviera, Asia, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, New England & Canada, Middle East & India, and the Caribbean;

Crystal River Cruises, 5 voyages: Rhine and Danube rivers;

Crystal Yacht Cruises, 4 voyages: Seychelles, Adriatic, Mediterranean and Arabian Peninsula;

Crystal Expedition Cruises, 1 voyage: South Pacific.

All guests booked on the selected sailings will enjoy special events celebrating this milestone and receive gifts including Crystal’s 30th Anniversary Cookbook showcasing specialties from Crystal’s globally-inspired menus; a commemorative 30th Anniversary pin; a wine stopper and personalised luggage tags as part of the festivities.

 

www.crystalcruises.com

Seabourn Unveils Interiors On New Luxury Expedition Ships

Posted on by Madelin Tomelty

By Staff Writer

Seabourn has released more information on the ultra-luxury public spaces onboard its two new expedition ships, set to launch in June 2021 and May 2022. Design icon Adam D. Tihany, who has served as the creative lead for many Seabourn projects, helped create the communal hubs, as well as all indoor and outdoor guest areas on Seabourn Venture and its yet-to-be-named sister ship.

“When you conjure up images of the ideal adventure trip, you would head out into the stunning wilderness for the day knowing that when you return a cozy, welcoming space filled with luxurious materials like leathers and rich woods that invites relaxation and conversation awaits you,” said Richard Meadows, Seabourn’s president. “Each of these newly designed spaces hits that note perfectly, leaving our guests wanting for nothing and giving them an inviting place to talk to fellow travellers each day about the incredible experiences they had, sharing memorable stories or viewing photos they took.”

The Expedition Lounge, located on Deck 4, is the heart of the ship and will be a gathering place for guests to relax with a complimentary cocktail or glass of fine wine from the bar. The space will be central to the Seabourn expedition operation where guests convene before and after expeditions each day. Custom furniture designed from natural materials creates an inviting atmosphere, while a vintage map of Antarctica and intricate tools and devices of the trade are displayed. Two large touch screens will also showcase photos, navigational charts, weather charts and maps.

Adjacent to the Expedition Lounge, the Discovery Centre acts as the teaching and academic hub for natural history and cultural programming in an environment spacious enough to accommodate all guests at one time. Each day, guests can attend the Seabourn Conversations enrichment programming designed to help educate them throughout the trip. The world-class, 26-person expedition team of wilderness experts, scientists, historians and naturalists will deliver insightful lectures and discussions on a broad array of topics related to the region where guests are sailing. Backed by topography maps and plush custom seating, the Discovery Center additionally boasts high-definition screens showing a variety of programming, including footage from daily submarine voyages.

Port and Starboard, the two landing zones located on Deck 3, are the launch and recovery points for landings. The 60-metre spaces allow guests to change and clean their gear in comfort while also providing room to store their rubber boots. In tropical areas, the Landing Zones will be used for snorkeling and similar activities, with storage space available for fins and masks. Guests will move through the two Landing Zones in small groups to keep waiting time and crowding to a minimum for excursion departures. Just a floor below on Deck 2, they can step directly from the ship and head off across the water or onward to a landing point ashore.

Seabourn ships’ focal point, the Atrium, is a skylit space complete with an elegant winding staircase. A captivating art display emulating traditional wind measuring instruments is suspended at the centre with wood and metal detailing seen throughout.

More details about public spaces and suites on the new expedition ships will continue to be revealed in the coming months. Specific details about itineraries and booking availability will be released in mid-2019.

 

www.seabourn.com

Ultra-Luxury Expedition Ship ‘Seabourn Venture’ to Debut in 2021

Posted on by Madelin Tomelty

By Staff Writer

Seabourn has announced the name of its first new ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ship: Seabourn Venture, to debut in June 2021.

Seabourn has been offering expedition experiences since it debuted a sailing to Antarctica in 2013 led by a highly qualified, world-class expedition team, and every season since. The success of the Antarctica program subsequently opened the door for similar optional experiences under the name Ventures by Seabourn featuring Zodiacs, kayaks, and guided hikes offered on Seabourn ships in a number of desirable destinations around the world, including Alaska, Australia & New Zealand, South America, and Northern European destinations such as Norway and Greenland.

“The name Seabourn Venture is an exciting step in the process of launching even more immersive voyages designed specifically for the expedition traveller who dares to go beyond the norm in terms of destinations and experiences they seek,” said Richard Meadows, president of Seabourn. “Combined with the team of 26 experts that will bring the expedition experience to life, we are going to draw on our pedigree to deliver breathtaking experiences and I know Seabourn Venture is going to create lifetime memories for the adventurer that wants to go farther, into more remote destinations than they may have ever seen before, in true Seabourn ultra-luxury.”

Following Seabourn Venture’s launch in June 2021 will be a second yet-to-be-named sister ship slated to launch in May 2022. Both ships will be designed and built for diverse environments to PC6 Polar Class standards and will include a plethora of modern hardware and technology. The new ships, which are being built by T. Mariotti, feature a new, innovative design created specifically for the refined expedition traveller. Two custom-built submarines and a complement of kayaks will be carried onboard for a truly immersive experience, while 132 oceanfront veranda suites treat guests to luxurious comfort.

The vessels additionally offer an onboard crew with an expedition team comprised of highly-regarded wilderness experts, scientists, historians and naturalists. During each sailing, team members regularly interact with guests, providing keen insight to deliver a holistic travel experience. These accomplished experts are also part of the Seabourn Conversations program, providing in-depth insights into the history, ecology and culture of the places they visit. Their valuable insights are offered both in formal presentations on a variety of topics and in more casual conversations over meals or at leisure.

Specific details about itineraries and booking availability will be released in Spring 2019. The first ship is currently planned to sail in the Arctic in late summer 2021, with a full summer season in Antarctica to follow.

 

www.seabourn.com

Viking Cruises Expands its Egypt Program

Posted on by Madelin Tomelty

By Staff Writer

Viking Cruises will be expanding its Egypt program for the 2020 season, which will include a new Nile River ship and pre-cruise extensions to its Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary.

Inspired by the design of the award-winning Viking Longships and built specifically for the Nile River, Viking Osiris is currently under construction and will double the company’s owned capacity in Egypt when it debuts in September 2020, while the two new pre-cruise extensions will further enhance guests’ base knowledge of Egypt prior to arriving in Cairo.

The upcoming, state-of-the-art ship will host 82 guests in its 41 staterooms. The Viking Osiris boasts an elegant, Scandinavian design and will join the company’s other ship on the Nile, Viking Ra, which launched in 2018. Viking is the first and only Western company to build, own and operate ships on the famous river.

“Egypt has inspired explorers for generations, and it remains a top destination for many of our guests,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “For more than two decades, we have led the river cruise industry with our fleet development and experiences that bring travellers closer to the cultures of the world. We remain committed to Egypt, and we look forward to introducing the historic treasures of the region to even more Viking guests.”

During the 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids cruise, guests experience Egypt’s cultural treasures in seven destinations. The cruise tour begins with a three-night stay at a first-class hotel in Cairo, where guests can visit iconic sites such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the necropolis of Sakkara and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Travellers will then fly to Luxor, where they will visit the Temples of Luxor and Karnak before boarding a Viking river ship for an eight-day roundtrip cruise on the Nile River, featuring access to the tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens and excursions to the Temple of Khnum in Esna, the Dendera Temple complex in Qena, the temples at Abu Simbel and the High Dam in Aswan. After a visit to a colourful Nubian village, where guests can witness a traditional elementary school, the journey concludes with a flight back to Cairo for a final night in the ancient city.

The new five-day extensions to Viking’s Pharaohs & Pyramids offer exclusive access to archives and exhibits in London and Oxford that are not normally open to the public. British Collections of Ancient Egypt, the first of the two extensions, will meet their Viking Tour Director, an expert Egyptologist, in London and explore the Egyptian Collection at the British Museum before it opens to the general public and the home and personal museum of world-renowned architect, Sir John Soane. The latter features a re-enactment of how Soane entertained guests and showcased his exquisite collection of Egyptian antiquities, including a 3,000-year-old Egyptian sarcophagus. The tour continues with a visit to London’s Petrie Museum, which houses more than 80,000 artefacts from ancient Egypt and Sudan; Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum, one of the oldest in the world, and home to a varied collection of Egyptian mummies and art; and behind-the-scenes access to Oxford University’s Griffith Institute, where guests will see Carter’s archives, which detail the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. A visit to Highclere Castle, the country seat of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, gives travellers the chance to view the earl’s magnificent private collection of Egyptian artefacts and concludes the itinerary.

Guests travelling through April 2020 can opt for the new five-day King Tut & the UK’s Egyptian Collections extension, which also offers an opportunity to visit Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh, a special exhibition at London’s Saatchi Gallery that is presented by Viking.

 

www.vikingcruises.com.au